Lung Capacity Test
The lungs primary function is to get oxygen into the blood, so that it can be delivered to the cells, and remove the carbon dioxide from the body. The stronger the lungs and the more gas they can hold the better there ability is to distribute and dispose of the two gases.
There is an easy test that can be performed without expensive or high tech equipment. All that is required is a bucket of water, a balloon and a pen.
- Fill the bucket up to half way.
- Mark on the bucket where the water stops.
- Take a big breathe then exhale fully into the balloon. Seal it shut, without allowing air to escape.
- Submerge the balloon under the water. The water level will rise, mark on the bucket the new level.
- Remove the balloon.
- Fill the bucket using a measuring jug to the recently draw line. Record the amount of litres used to fill the space between the two lines.
- Compare the amount recorded with the table below.
| Height | Results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor | Fair | Average | Good | Excellent | |
| Under 5’6” | < 3 | 3 – 4 | 4 – 5 | 5 – 6 | > 6 |
| Over 5’6” | < 4 | 4 – 5 | 5 – 6 | 6 – 7 | > 7 |
To improve upon the results in this test some form of cardio-vascular exercise should be undertaken. Smoking does not help achieve a good result either.